Dumfries and Galloway photographer, Fiona McKean, has recently returned from the Annual Master Photographers Association Awards Ceremony in Dunkeld as the winner of the Scottish Baby Portrait Photographer Award for 2018.
Fiona, who launched Fiona McKean Photography on a part-time basis eight years ago, has specialised in maternity, baby and family portraits for the past six years and primarily works from her home studio in Dumfries. Due to her continued success and the growing demand for her work, Fiona made the brave decision to give up her job in 2016 to dedicate her time to running the business. Fiona holds a licentiate qualification with both the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers and the Master Photographers Association.
Fiona was invited to the awards event in the Royal Hotel in Dunkeld on the 24th April after one of her baby portraits secured her a place in the final. With 36 entries in the Baby Portrait category, Fiona was delighted to reach the final three and is extremely proud to return to Dumfries as the category winner. She said: “To reach the final three was a great achievement, but to win the category is something really special. Although I have taken photographs of hundreds of babies, I still love the cuddles and it is always lovely to experience the reaction of my clients when they see their images for the first time. To receive this award and to have my work recognised by the Master Photographers Association is extremely rewarding.”
Commenting on Fiona’s winning baby portrait, one of the judges said: “Simple use of tonality throughout and a pose that looks natural and leads your eye around the picture. The dungaree outfit suits the background and the expression is peaceful and calming. A simple image well handled, and one that is sure to hang proudly in the parents’ home.” A second judge added: “A timeless image captured with sensitivity and taste”.
Of course, Fiona’s work is constantly being judged by her clients, and she eagerly awaits their reaction to seeing their photographs for the first time. New mum Adele said: “I recently had a new-born session with the lovely Fiona. From the moment we stepped into the studio she couldn’t have been more welcoming –Fiona certainly put me at ease! I couldn’t wait until it was time to view the photos, and when the time came all I could say was wow! I am over the moon. Fiona has captured photographs that I will treasure for ever. Thank you Fiona.”
Fiona’s Maternity, New-born, Family and Watch Me Grow Sessions make an ideal gift for a partner, friend, family member or colleague going off on maternity leave or celebrating the birth of a child. Provisional bookings are recommended as soon as the the expected month of arrival is known.
Anyone interested in getting in touch with Fiona can call 07540349455 or message her via Facebook @FionaMcKeanPhotography.
